STRENGTHS:

+ Kicking
+ Hurt factor
+ Outside game
+ Overhead marking
+ Decision making

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested work
- Consistency

Lauren Clifton is a player who came through the South Australian Under 18s pathway, impressing for both South Adelaide and the Croweaters, before developing into a rock solid prospect across an number of positions for the Panthers. A tried and true outside utility, Clifton does her best work with ball in hand, able to spot up targets forward of centre and use out elite kicking ability to nail passes inside 50.

Coming through as a teenager, Clifton's endurance was comparatively low, but she has worked hard to be able to run out games off a wing, or work up from half-forward or half-back and make an impact. Not a huge production player, that was one element that really lifted in 2025, with a couple of 20-plus disposal games including in the preliminary final win over Sturt. In fact, her finals series as a whole was superb.

Clifton is an outside specialist who works into space to win the ball and then penetrates a kick inside 50 or opens up angles. She has genuine hurt factor and is another South Australian who is in the early stages of her prime, turning 22 years-old in December. A name to note down as someone who has the traits to make the jump to the next level.

    Picture credit: Nick Hook Photography